--- title: Improvement Era description: Monthly periodical of the Mormon church, 1897 onward. This library holds the issues of November 1897 to December 1930. authors: - Anderson, Edward H. collections: - periodicals tags: - magazine - improvement-era periodical: Improvement Era volume: 10 number: 1 published: 1906-11 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: 'Edward H. Anderson, "Events and Comments," *Improvement Era* 10, no. 1 (November 1906): 74–80.' source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera101unse transcription: Transcribed from the Internet Archive scan of each issue (the item for each issue is named in the issue's own source); unnumbered advertising leaves are omitted, printed page numbers are kept as page markers. identifier: improvementera101unse start_page: 74 end_page: 80 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1906-11) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera101unse publication_year: 1906 note: The Internet Archive item metadata carries a blanket "© Copyright by Intellectual Reserve, Inc." notice. The library owner judged it inapplicable because this issue was published in 1906, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # Events and Comments EVENTS AND COMMENTS. BY EDWARD H. ANDERSON. Peach Day.- One of the important days for Box Elder County, established within the past few years, is peach day. This year it was celebrated on the 19th of September, and Box Elder County, and Brigham City, did themselves proud on this occasion. Over eight hundred cases of peaches out the thousand that had been provided by the Commercial Club were eaten by the visitors during the day. Trains carrying people from the North, the West, and the South, arrived during the morning hours. Fifteen carloads of passengers arrived from Salt Lake City at 10:30 a. m. The exercises included band music, an address of welcome by Mayor Hoist of Brigham, an open air concert at the courthouse lawn, by the Brigham City Military Band, a concert in the tabernacle, a dance in the Academy, and a show at the Opera house, with other smaller attractions. The day was a grand success. At the general semi-annual conference Elder Rudger Clawson stated that there are 700 families in Brigham City; that during this season 105 carloads of peaches were shipped out of Brigham City alone, from which over $100,000 were realized. It gave employment to many, and during the few weeks of the peach season, the children did work enough to earn $1,200. Considering the former banenness of that place, and that it is only one in many of like character in this region, surely the marvelous prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled: "The Lord shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness shall ' be found therein, thanksgiving and the voice of melody. — Cuban Affairs. All the efforts of Secretary Taft to restore peace by agreement between the contending Cuban forces proved futile. It became apparent on September 25, that the government and the Moderates intended by abdication to force intervention, and on the 26th President Palma informed Secretary Taft that his decision to resign was irrevocable, as he regarded the terms which the Commission (Taft and Bacon) had proposed —the resignation of all officers elected in 1905, except President Palma, and that new elections be held January 1, 1907 as "contrary to his personal dignity and to the prestige of the government." The Cuban congress took a recess to await the Commission's report. When Congress reassembled there was no quorum, as the Moderates refused to attend. And so it was impossible to elect ony one to succeed Palma, whereupon it became necessary EVENTS AND COMMENTS. 76 for Secretary Taft to take control, which he did by establishing a provisional government in Cuba, Sept. 29th. He established a disarmament commission, with General Funston at its head; released 70 political prisoners; offered President Palma a warship to get out of the country on, which the retiring president courteously declined; retained the Cuban flag, which made a good impression. HiB proclamation as provisional governor of Cuba declares that the provisional government would be maintained only long enough to "restore order, peace and public confidence, by direction of and in the name of the President of the United States, and then to hold such elections as may be necessary to determine those persons upon whom the permanent government of the republic should be devolved." The people generally seemed to regard the new government with confidence. Secretary William H. Taft returned to the United States October 13, and the new ProvisionalGovernor is Charles E. Magoon who assumed control that day. Several thousand U. S. soldiers and marines have been landed and will remain until order and public confidence are restored when that time will come can not even be guessed, ; until after the new elections, which will, perhaps, decide whether there shall be lasting peace in the island, or whether the trouble will end in the eventual acquisition of Cuba by this country. In the meantime, Cuba has one more opportunity to practice self-restraint, and, through the unusual and unprecedented action of the United States, has one more chance to enjoy independence. Sunday in France. —France is a headstrong nation, bent seemingly upon having its own way for the way's sake. In the beginning God rested upon the Sabbath day and hallowed it, and later commanded all men to observe it; but France long ago abandoned that idea, and, as in many other Christian nations, turned the day over to pleasure and business. The Socialists, however, recognizing the need of one day in seven for rest, agitated for years, a compulsory weekday rest law, which was finally passed bv parliament, and went into effect September 1. The motive behind the law is not religious but social. Ordinarily the rest day will be on Sunday, but it is said that large employers may make arrangements by which their employes will be given a day off in rotation, in order that it will not be necessary to suspend business on Sunday — the day when it should be suspended as far as possible. Church Affairs in France. —A council of French bishops recently adopted a letter to the Catholics of France which was approved by the Pope, and read in all the Catholic churches of France September 23. The letter declares against compliance with the recently passed law separating church and state, on the ground tha f the Pope has not been consulted regarding the abrogation of the Con- < cordat between France and the Vatican, and he could not therefore recognized the proposed reorganization of the French church. The clergy will now await the action of the government, and not leave their churches until requested to do so by the local authorities. Secretary Root's Tour of South America. — On September 21, Secretary Root arrived Panama on his return from an extended tour of the South at American Republics. He made the tour with a view to cultivating friendly rela- 76 IMPROVEMENT ERA. tions between our country and the governments of South America; and also to remove the distrust that seems to have been entertained in some quarters of the intentions and policy of the government of the United States. Secretary Root was. every where cordially, even enthusiastically, received, and it is the generally accepted opinion that he was remarkably successful in his mission of conciliation. His tour, also, has opened the eyes of this country to the wealth and importance of the South American states, and to the desirability of cultivating more friendly commercial relations with our neighbors on the south. To Visit the Missions. — Announcement was made in the Deseret News, Saturday, October 13, that the members of the council of Twelve Apostles and Presidents of Seventies had been assigned to visit the different missions of the United States, attend conferences, and give instructions to members of the Church, preach the gospel, and inquire into and assist in regulating such affairs as may be necessary. The work will probably cover a period of several months and is evi- denly in conformity with the policy adopted by President Lorenzo Snow before his death, to place the responsibility of the stakes upon the stake presidents, and permit the apostles and leading seventies to go out into the world and preaoh the gospel. Elder B. H. Roberts left for the East on Wednesday, October 17, having just returned from a mission to Arizona and Mexico, in the interest of the Y. M. M. 1. A. and the Seventies; Elders Hyrum M. Smith and Geo. F. Richards have left for the western states, Elder George Albert Smith has gone east, and Elder Chas. H. Hart will visit the Central states mission. County Fairs. —This year the D. A. & M. Society held no state fair; but several county fairs were held throughout the state. In Ogden, in the latter part of September, the Inter Mountain Fair was held which closed on the 22nd day of September. It was a grand success in almost every detail. There was an excellent exhibit of livestock and fruit. During the early days of October, closing Saturday October 6, a county fair was held at Lagoon, Davis Co. , at which a splendid exhibit of fruit of all kinds was made. Large numbers of people attended, and it was a great success. On September 19, 20, 21, a county fair was held in Cedar City, Iron county, which was as creditable as it was successful. New Cashier. — On the 1st of October, Geo. M. Cannon, who has for many years acted as cashier of the Zion's Savings Bank and Trust Co., closed his business relations with that bank, to enter business as manager of the Geo. M. Cannon Co. He was succeeded by Ovando C. Beebee, who has for the past five years served as National Bank examiner for the Congressional district of Utah and Wyoming. Mr. Beebee was formerly connected with the bank, having served therein for over twelve years, in various capacities, working his way from collector and messenger, in the bank's service. During the incumbency of Mr. Cannon the bank has grown to immense proportions, its deposits having grown from one million, in 1895, to nearly five millions in 1906, and we have no doubt his successor, with his ability and standing, will aid the bank to continue to grow in power and importance in the financial world during his administration. h VENTS AND COMMENTS. 77 Ecclesiastical Changes.— On the 16th of September, at a ward conference held at Moore, Idaho, in the Lost River valley, the Lost River branch waa organized into a ward, with Andrew C. Jensen, Jr., bishop. All the auxiliary organzations were also organized, and a complete ward organization effected. New European Church Headquarters —On Saturday, October 13, official announcement was made by the Church au'horities, that the Church is to have a new and permanent headquarters of modern and capacious character, in England. During the recent visit of President Joseph F. Smith to England, negotiations were closed, which had theretofore been carried on by President Heber J. Grant of the European mission, by which a valuable site, with fine residence, and ground enough on which to erect a church building, was purchased in Liverpool. The price involved in the transaction is not given; but the property is known as Durham House, No. 295 Edge Lane, Liverpool. The size of the ground is 227 by 87 ft. President Smith regards the property with much favor. The principal building which it now contains is a three-story residence which will be suitable for headquarters, meetings, printing establishment, and other necessary rooms for the labors of the headquarters of the European mission. Proper title has been obtained, and the change from Holly Road will soon be made. Died. — In Ogden, Saturday, September 1, Joseph Hall, pioneer of Weber Co., born in Birmingham, England, August 6, 1825, baptized December 25, 1841, came to Utah in 1855. He was postmaster of Ogden for four years; was chaplain of the lower house of the Utah legislature, in 1886, and held many other civil and ecclesiastical positions, being also connected with the newspaper business in Ogden. — In Provo, same date, Isaac Riddle, born Kentucky, March 22, 1830, came to Utah in 1849, settling first in North Ogden, later in Beaver, and came to Provo in 1897, where he since resided. — In Salt Lake City, same date, Mrs. Mary Ann Taylor Edward, born England, September 17, 1845, .ioined the church in South Africa, and came to Utah September 2, 1863. —In Manassa, Colo., the same date, John C. Dalton, born Utah, Jan. 9, 1856, a pioneer and explorer of the San Juan country, bishop of Manassa for 13 years.— In Salt Lake, Wednesday, September 5, Agnes Cross Douglas, born Ireland April 6, 1818, joined the church in 1842, and — came to Utah September 23, 1848. In Wilford, Fremont Co., Idaho, same date, Mrs. Sarah Ann Fewks Allen, born Leicestershire, England, April 9, 1868, came to Utah in 1882, resided at Heber, Coalville, and since 1900 in Wilford. In Salt — Lake City, Saturday. 8th, Eliza Sadler, born England, July 26, 1818, came to America in 1856, and arrived in Salt Lake City September 16, 1859. In Salt — Lake City, same date, Mrs. Lois Horsley, wife of Harry Horsley, born England, and emigrated to Utah in 1860, crossing the plains with a Hand Cart Company. In South Bountiful, same date, Patriarch Oren Hatch, born New York, May 9, 1830, enlisted in the "Mormon" battalion, July 1846, being the youngest member of that famous organization. He came to Utah with his family in 1849. He leaves 111 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, bringing the total membership of hi» family to 150, most of whom it was his privilege to bless since he was ordained patriarch some five years ago.- -In Springville, Tuesday, 11th, Mrs. John M. Cle- 78 IMPROVEMENT ERA. ments, born England, December 21, 1828, came to Utah in 1854. — On the same date, in the same place, Jacob W. McCurdy, born New Jersey, 1818, and came to Utah in 1853.— In Provo, Thursday, September 13, David Van Wagenen, born, New Jersey, 69 years ago, came to Utah in 1852, and located at Provo, and later in Midway, where he was bishop for 17 years. He returned to Provo in 1897. In Kaysville, Thursday, September 13, Sarah B. JLayton, wife of the late President Christopher Lay ton, and for nearly thirty years head of the Relief society in Kaysville, horn England, July 1, 1826. She joined the Church in the early '40s, and emigrated to America in 1850. — In Provo, Friday, September 21, Hannah Maria Libbey Smith, foster mother and only mother in fact that Apostle John Henry Smith knew, a noble woman and widely beloved, born in New Hampshire, June 29, 1823, joined the Church 1844.— In Prove, Saturday, 22, Isabella Knight, wife of Raymond Knight, Raymond, Canada. — In Salt Lake City, 23rd, Sarah Unger, a native of South Wales, Great Britain, and among the first of the Welsh people to identify herself with the Church. She died in her 84th year. — In Salt Lake City, Monday, September 24, Sarah A. Daft, age 78, one of the wealthiest and best known women of Salt Lake City, a pioneer of 1856. She was a heavy stock-holder in the Independent Tel. Co.,. and owned considerable real estate in the city. Death of President Charles O. Card. —In Logan, September 9, Chas. Ora Card died; he was an active Church worker and pioneer of Canada, born in New York, November 5, 1839, joined the Church in 1856, and came to Utah the same year. He was a pioneer of Cache in 1859, was a counselor to President Wm. B. Preston from 1879 to 1884, when he was made president of the Cache stake which position he filled until 1890. He superintended the construction of the Logan temple and tabernacle, and was engaged in various business enterprises, saw mills, flour-mills, and building companies. He founded the "Mormon" colonies in Canada in 1887, remaining at the head of affairs there until three years ago when he was honorably released on account of failing health. He was a faithful member of the Church, and his was a brilliant and honored career. Memoria services were held in Cardston, Canada, on September 16, in all of the wards of that stake, with a view to impress in the hearts of the people the memory of so good and sincere a man who worked with untiring zeal and without rest to see Zion grow and increase in good works. At his funeral in Logan there were present many of the Church authorities; and the people generally paid loving respect to his memory. Political Leaders. —The following are nominations for leaders on the tickets of three political organizations Republican State Ticket: For Congressman, Jos. Howell; for Justice of the Supreme Court, Jos. E.. Frick. Democratic State Ticket: For Congressman, Orlando W. Powers; for Justice of the Supreme Court, J. W. N. Whitecotton. "American" State Ticket: For Representative to Congress, Thos. Weir; for Justice of the Supreme Court, Thomas Maioney. EVENTS AND COMMENTS. ' 79 A Merry "Lark."— A number of Harvard students had a merry "lark" with a policeman on Boston Common, a few days ago— at least they thought it was merry while it lasted. The policeman, however, was badly hurt, being struck by some of the boys. The incident got into the papers, and also that Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. , and his room-mate, As soon as the both freshmen, were in it. President saw the news in the papers, he sent for Theodore, Jr. to came to Wash- , ington, as the papers put it, "for parental advice." The young man rode to Washington in a much more sober mood than he was in ou "lark" day, and the way seemed long from Boston to the Capital. What was the advice that father gave him? It wa3 private, and the President's secretary will not give it to the public, but if he would it would make mighty refreshing reading. The following interesting talk, or something like it, however, is what the New York Independent presumes he gave the boy: My son, what means all this noise in the papers about your taking part in a rowdy fight with officers of the law on Boston Common? Is it true that you, supposed to be a decent young gentleman, son of a gentleman, have been engaged in this brutal, vulgar, unlawful fight? Is this what you went to college for? Have you lost the inheritance of honorable Christian instincts? Don't you know that such conduct is not merely vulgar, but wrong? When men of the humblest ranks of life are set to keep the peace, do you join those that break the peace and fight the law? Is it gentlemanly, is it right, to beat thj officers of law, like the most low-lived denizens of the dives? Is that the way to get the" university training which will make you fit to become a useful citizen, to deserve well of the State and to rule men? My son, did you forget who your father is? Don't you know that when you hold his name you also hold to a considerable degree his honor in your keeping? Your father, Theodore, has been chosen by the people to represent the right and might of law. His business is to execute law. What will the people think of the man who cannot teach his own eldest son to obey the law? My dear sop Theodore, I was at the head of the police system in New York City. It was my business to support the honor and authority of the officers of law, such men as you defied and attacked; and is this the sort of lesson you have learnt of me? And your father now represents the impartial exercise of law all over this mighty nation, that even justice which allows no guilty man to escape; can you expect to escape? It may be that you have put yourself and your father's name into the clutches of the law. You may be arrested; you may be imprisoned, drest in prison clothes and set to break stone. That is the kind of medicine the Government I rule over provides for those who break the peace and break heads. You ought to be ashamed of yourself. If you had no respect for yourself, you ought at least to have had some respect for your father and your father's office. Theodore, your father is ashamed of you, and he loves you enough to tell you so. Now go back to Cambridge, tell the whole truth, and if you must suffer for it, suffer at least honestly, even tho in the meantime you lose your rank as a gentleman and let this be a sad and useful lesson to ; you for all your life. This little talk will serve for many a boy whose father is not the President of the United States, but whose love of law and order, nevertheless, is quite as great; and whose jealousy of his honor and good name is just as keen. Race Riots in the South — Georgia and the South have lately suffered from the prevalence of lynch law in a race war, in which many negroes have been killed by the whites. The newspapers have contained sensational statements sug- 80 IMPRO VEMENT ERA gesting lawlessness and promoting the formation of mobs. The difficulty has spread to such an extent that the negroes are fearfully alarmed, and the lawlessness, lynching, and other killing is something almost unprecedented, even in the history of the S^uth. Bishop Walters of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, at Louisville, on the 2nd of October issued an address calling upon all the negroes of the country to observe Sunday, the 7th of October, as a day of prayer; and in his communication to the press of the country he said, 'In the name of ' humanity, help us to find some Harrison, Sumner or Lincoln, who will fight squarely for human rights in these days of lawlessness." Senator Tillman, in a public address in Augusta, Ga., on the 7th of October, predicted many bloody race riots in the near future. Lynching had failed, he said, and he suggested that negroes should be controlled by a system of passports; the proper place for depraved negroes was in the North; if they remained in the South those that could not produce passports should be placed in chaingangs. In conclusion he remarked that Southern whites should ' 'go ahead and do what they believe to be right, regardless of all the Yankees between Cape Cod and Hell." Destructive East Wind.— A hurricane, one of those old-time, three-day east winds, swept over the Salt Lake Valley on Saturday night and Sunday morning, October 20 and 21, which did great damage to property. Trees were uprooted, houses unroofed , chimneys and outbuildings blown down, hay stacks blown away, and barns and other buildings demolished. Two men were seriously injured in Salt Lake City, and inOgden one man was killed, also one in Murray. Telephone and telegraph lines were torn down, street car and railroad service was stopped, and the electric lights were put out of commission. The wind reached a velocity of. 52 milesan hour, and lasted for several hours at nearly that velocity. The damage is very heavy, amounting in Ogden alone, where the force of the storm was most severe, it is estimated at $200,000, at which rate a half a million dollars would be a low estimate of the total loss. Snow fell before the storm, in the mountains, and in Colorado and Wyoming there were raging blizzards. The Scandal of Criminal Journalism.— The editor of the Independent, New York, must have visited Salt Lake City recently. At least, that would be the inference from a recent editorial in that splendid weekly, under the above heading. Here is a paragraph: The scandal of a great deal of our American journalism has become too grievous to be borne tamely much longer. Neither the reputation of worthy men nor the virtue of pure women is any longer safe from the bloodhounds cf a gang of newspaper thugs, fully half of whom pose as philanthropists. As observers of what is doing round about us, we are looking to see what will happen when one of these beasts of prey inadvertently attacks the home of a person unexpectedly powerful, with good tiger fighting blood in him, who will turn and take the bloodhound by the throat. The thing is bound to happen as surely as the world turn* round. Tbe sooner the better.